Author: Julia Sharp

I heard a sermon on patience yesterday, probably my 3,451st sermon on patience. But apparently even after 3,451 sermons, I still have not gotten a grip on it. As our pastor began to outline what patience is supposed to look like, I found myself, feeling a readjustment coming on. It was a good reminder that … Continue reading “Applying Patience”

Authenticity is a pretty big buzz word right now. You hear a lot about people wanting to be authentic and have authentic relationships. Webster defines authentic as, “not false or imitation: real, actual, and true to one’s own personality, spirit or character”. I think authenticity is a great goal. However, what happens when our “personality” … Continue reading “The Authentic Life”

I was having a fairly good run today, my legs felt strong, and I had a good breathing rhythm going. Suddenly, as I rounded the corner I ran smack into a brick wall. Okay maybe not a literal brick wall, but the wind was so strong and pushed back at me so hard that it might as … Continue reading “Running Into the Wind”

We are into week two of 2011, are your resolutions set? Last week, Melissa talked about setting realistic and achievable goals for 2011. So now what? You’ve set your goals, you believe they are attainable, but many of us have no idea what to do next. How many years have you started off with the … Continue reading “Four Ways to Meet Your Goals in 2011”

Recently, I sat down with a family member who asked me how my day had been going. I started to share about an afternoon of putting up the Christmas tree and drinking some delicious hot cider when she interrupted with, “Do you like how I moved that picture?”. Ouch! Now I wasn’t sharing any deep … Continue reading “There You Are!”

Recently, I was sitting on the couch at my sister’s house when I heard a loud “whack” followed by some crying. My nephew had been following a small dog around the house and while his head was down he was not exactly watching where he was going and ran right into the dining room table. … Continue reading “The Importance of Sharing”

“I know what I need to do, I just don’t want to do it” This is the theme I’ve been hearing from a number of clients lately. Much time and many tears have been spent digging deep, finding insight into their behaviors and thought processes and reconciling the past. They’ve taken a step back and … Continue reading “Courageous Change”

I am passionate about reading. Love it. I will read any and everything I can get my hands on, and when desperate I’ve even been known to read the back of a cereal box. I’m currently in the middle of Donald Miller’s “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years”. If you haven’t read it … Continue reading “Enticing Stories”

Most parents can identify when there is a “problem” with their child. Behavior in school begins to decline, they get into fights with friends, or withdraw completely from them. They might have chronic belly aches or headaches. When these things happen we know it’s time to seek help. However, just because your child is acting … Continue reading “Are You Okay?”

I’ve had several conversations about boundaries this week, both in my personal and professional life. A friend expressed that she struggled with feeling selfish when she set boundaries, another that he felt bad when he “spoke up” and hurt someone’s feelings. We avoid an uncomfortable conversation that may sting and eventually wind up losing an … Continue reading “The unselfish “NO””